Table of Contents
Key Points
- Dangote expands $10 million food relief effort with major rice donations to FCT and Kogi, reaching millions amid Nigeria’s worsening food insecurity.
- Aliko Dangote Foundation distributed 50,000 rice bags in Abuja and Kogi, part of a $10 million annual initiative targeting all 774 local government areas.
- Local officials praise private sector aid, as transparent distribution systems ensure food reaches vulnerable groups, including orphans and people with disabilities.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is ramping up his $10 million National Food Intervention Program with major rice donations to the Federal Capital Territory and Kogi State—reaching millions of Nigerians as food insecurity worsens across the country.
Through the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), the billionaire philanthropist distributed 10,000 bags of 10kg rice in Abuja and another 40,000 bags across Kogi as part of his N16 billion ($10 million) annual food security initiative, launched in March. The program is aimed at helping low-income families cope with the harsh economic climate and rising cost of living.
“This initiative is meant to support the government’s efforts to reduce hunger and ease hardship,” said Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, during the Abuja flag-off ceremony.
The foundation kicked off the nationwide effort in early 2024, delivering food relief valued at N15 billion ($9.36 million) to all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. It’s now one of the largest privately funded food aid programs on the continent.
Government applause as relief reaches the most vulnerable
At the Abuja event, a senior official representing FCT Minister Nyesom Wike praised the donation, calling it both “timely” and “crucial” for struggling urban households. In Kogi, the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hajia Rabietu Okute, confirmed that food distribution had started across all 21 local government areas and 239 wards, targeting vulnerable groups including people with disabilities and residents of 23 orphanages.
“To make sure the process is fair and transparent, we set up a 12-person committee in each local government,” Okute said. “This is a heartfelt gesture from the Aliko Dangote Foundation that we deeply appreciate.” The rice distribution began on March 26, 2025, under the directive of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who emphasized equal access for rural and urban communities.
Private sector stepping up for the public good
Speaking on the broader purpose behind the intervention, Ademola Adeyemi, General Manager of Community Affairs at Dangote Cement Plc, said the program goes beyond corporate social responsibility. “This isn’t just about handing out food—it’s about standing with the communities we serve,” he said.
Zouera Youssoufou, CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, highlighted the program’s long-term vision. “We’re committed to fighting hunger in every corner of Nigeria. This yearly effort is just one piece of our larger goal—to build a more food-secure nation,” she said.
A billionaire giving back on a massive scale
With an estimated net worth of $23.1 billion, Aliko Dangote is the founder of Dangote Group, the largest industrial company in West Africa, with operations in cement, sugar, salt, and petrochemicals. In 2014, he endowed his foundation with $1.25 billion—making it the biggest private foundation in sub-Saharan Africa.
Since its inception in 1994, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has supported projects in health, education, economic empowerment, and disaster relief, working closely with government agencies and humanitarian groups.
Earlier phases of the food intervention program included the distribution of 80,000 bags of rice in Lagos on March 18, and another 25,000 bags in Kwara State over three days. More states are expected to benefit in the coming weeks.
